The former mayor of south suburban Monee who was accused of punching an umpire at a youth baseball and breaking his jaw pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery, according to court records.

Jay Farquhar, who was defeated in a bid for a second term last year, had been charged with two counts of aggravated battery in the 2016 incident. One of the counts was dropped as part of Thursday’s plea agreement, according to records. Farquhar, who faced up to five years in prison, will serve 18 months of probation.

Neither Farquhar nor his attorney could be reached for comment late Thursday afternoon.

Farquhar, 52, pleaded not guilty to the charges and claimed self-defense when he was originally charged. Will County Assistant State’s Attorney Christine Vukmir told Judge Daniel Kennedy in October that several witnesses would describe the umpire, Timothy Nelson, as a “great guy” who was “positive, fair and great with the kids.” She also noted that at least eight witnesses would say that Farquhar “sucker-punched” Nelson.

The altercation occurred when Farquhar challenged one of Nelson’s calls. Nelson admitted he called a foul ball when a 7-year-old girl swung and missed on what should’ve been called a strike. Nelson did so, he said, to give her an extra chance to bat.

Farquhar, who was standing near Nelson catching and retrieving missed pitches, allegedly asked Nelson if he was drunk following his call and later punched him. Nelson’s jaw was broken in two places and he required oral surgery, said Charles Pelkie, a spokesman for the Will County state’s attorney’s office.

As part of his plea agreement, Farquhar is prohibited from coaching youth sports during his probation period. He also is not allowed to have contact with Nelson and must pay $2,710 in court costs.

A civil lawsuit was filed against Farquhar on behalf of Nelson earlier this month. The attorney representing Nelson could not be reached for comment late Thursday.

The Chicago Tribune reported in 2016 that Farquhar had been accused — though never charged or convicted — of aggressive behavior in the past. He was accused of punching a neighbor’s dog in the head, assaulting a police officer and being aggressive in disputes with another former Monee mayor. His former wife also was granted orders of protection against him in 2001 and 2002.

Tim Nelson, a youth baseball umpire, said the mayor of south suburban Monee broke his jaw in two places and called him a drunk during a dispute at a game while the mayor was serving as a coach. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Tim Nelson, a youth baseball umpire, said the mayor of south suburban Monee broke his jaw in two places and called him a drunk during a dispute at a game while the mayor was serving as a coach. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)